Portuguese general manager for Designer Outlet Algarve at the IKEA retail park

The managing company for the new Designer Outlet shopping area, ROS Retail Outlet Shopping GmbH, has appointed a Portuguese general manager.

Miguel Paraiso Guerreiro is to be responsible for the Austrian company’s first foray into Portugal when later this month, the designer area at the IKEA-owned retail site near Loulé opens its doors.

Guerreiro has a long history in retail in Europe and the Middle East and the managing company says his experience in real estate asset management, shopping centre design, international business development, franchising, brand management, product development and finance well qualify him for the multi-faceted role.

Guerreiro began his working life in Portugal brands such as Mango, Tally Weijl and Victor Victoria. He then worked in Qatar with the Inditex group, Salsa, Virgin and others.

That’s all behind him now as Miguel Guerreiro is the top man at Designer Outlet Algarve with its 65 stores on 13,000m2, all designed to, “simulate the streets of a typical Algarve village, where traditional chimneys and whitewashed walls are present – a true Algarve experience.”

Miguel Guerreiro commented that, “It is with great pride that I integrate the management of a project born from the inspiration of a typical Algarve environment, with the ambition to highlight the potential of the region as a destination for all seasons, leveraging the fashion sector as one of the poles of attraction of the Algarve.

“In this context, at the Designer Outlet, our visitors will be able to enjoy the best opportunities with permanent discounts of up to 70% on premium fashion and lifestyle brands, enjoying a unique and international experience, as well as the unique and special characteristics that the Algarve provides 356 days a year.”

This is all part of the IKEA Group’s retail complex which includes an IKEA store, MAR Shopping Algarve and the Designer Outlet Algarve.

The whole project will have cost €200 million and aims to create 3,000 jobs in the region.

The impact on independent retailers and overall employment in the retail sector, has yet to be assessed.